Printed battery technology has emerged as one of the fastest growing technologies in the market. They are a green alternative to traditional batteries and are produced using non-hazardous materials such as recyclable plastic.
The eco-friendly nature of the batteries is an attractive feature for devices, and has resulted in its increased adoption across several applications. This high level of demand is currently propelling the Global Printed Batteries Market to grow at an anticipated CAGR of 31.77 percent for the 2013-2018 period.
The small and compact form of these printed batteries is another important factor for the growth of the market. The small size and width of the battery makes it easily compatible for a variety of electronic devices of different shapes and sizes. A standard printed battery has an output voltage of 1.5V.
Recent technological advances in printed batteries, along with improved durability, reduced energy consumption, superior performance, and efficient features, are making them an attractive solution in numerous markets and industries. The benefits attributed to printed batteries are expected to bring about an increase in the revenue of the Global Printed Batteries Market.
Here are four technologies that are shifting to printed batteries for power:
Passive RFID Tags
An increased demand for printed batteries in passive RFID tags is the major growth driver for the Global Printed Batteries market. Currently, Passive RFID Tags is the highest revenue generating segment in the market. Printed batteries have helped extend the read ranges of RFID passive tags and are suitable for the tags because of their flexibility. These benefits, along with the low cost, make the printed batteries ideal for usage in passive RFID tags.
Smart Cards
Recently, there has been an increased demand for smart cards as they provide higher authentication and verification features than the standard magnetic stripe cards. A smart card consists of an IC that allows the smart card reader to “read” the data encrypted on the IC. The IC on the smart card is powered by a printed battery.
Moreover, there has been an increased adoption of contactless smart cards that facilitate zero physical contact between the smart card and the smart card reader. These contactless smart cards also require printed batteries for their operation. The growth in unit shipment of these cards is an important factor aiding the Global Printed Batteries market. As of 2013, there was a unit shipment of 7.62 billion smart cards and this figure is expected to rise to 11.64 billion by 2018.
Temperature Sensors
Temperature sensors are used for tracking and monitoring the temperature of products such as food and beverages, and petrochemicals, and are also used in the Metal industries. Certain areas require temperature sensors to be used for short-term applications as well as for applications in which the sensor needs to be of a small form factor.
Printed batteries are highly useful devices for such applications. Temperature sensors utilize printed batteries to register the temperature of a particular area or product. In the Food and Beverage industry, temperature sensors are attached to food products and are programmed to monitor and track the temperature over the complete supply chain.
Medical Technologies
The Global Printed Batteries Market is at a growing stage and is increasing its applications in different segments, with Healthcare being an important one. Printed batteries are used in cosmetics and skin care products that are used for a short period and are easily disposable.
For example, printed batteries are used in transdermal applications such as skin care patches. The small form factor and non-hazardous characteristics of printed batteries make them ideal for transdermal applications when compared to conventional batteries.
